Office of Clergy

The Episcopal Vicar for Clergy serves as Bishop Burbidge's representative to the priests of our diocese, as well as those external priests from other dioceses residing within our boundaries.

In addition to acting as a representative to the priests of our diocese, but also performs the following duties:

  • Oversees the distribution and evaluation of Priest Personnel Questionnaires, which evaluate the needs of the priests of the diocese to ensure they are supported.
  • Fields comments and complaints with regard to priests, and works towards solutions when issues arise regarding priests, deacons and seminarians.
  • Provides support to priests through annual meetings; facilitates counseling and other care for priests, if requested.
  • Facilitates mentoring and training programs for priests.

Requirements for Clergy Visiting the Diocese of Arlington

  • Any cleric expecting to visit the Diocese of Arlington for a one-time ministry, supply ministry, or overnight visits must present a Letter of Good Standing (LGS) from his Bishop or Provincial.  Failure to do so will mean that the cleric is not permitted any ministry.
  • The LGS should be on diocesan or provincial letterhead and embossed with the seal.  It should include the dates of the proposed visit and ministry, the location, the cleric's ability to work with minors, and the purpose of the visit. 
  • The LGS should be sent to:
    Vicar for Clergy
    200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 901
    Arlington, VA  22203
  • It may also be emailed ahead of time but not in lieu of the hard copy: clergy@arlingtondiocese.org
  • Further, the LGS should also be mailed to the parish or other place of ministry.
  • If there are any questions, please contact the Office of Clergy at 703-841-3809.

Clergy Personnel Board

The Episcopal Vicar for Clergy also heads the Clergy Personnel Board, which evaluates the staffing of a parish and makes recommendations for annual clergy changes.